These are a few of my favorite things ...

There is so much *stuff* out there for running gear, sometimes it can be hard to know where to even start.  I often struggle with knowing what apparel is worth the extra money and likewise, when the cheapest option will be just as good as the most expensive.  I'm not an expert, but I have "tested" a variety of items and brands.  Even though my closet is full of running shorts, capris, pants, tanks, bras, jackets, etc., I find myself opting for the same things over and over.  Here are some of my ol' standby's ...



Moisture-wicking wonders!

Lean and green! (Also available in other more muted colors!)

  

You've gotta have socks you love.  And for everyone, like shoes, it seems to be a pretty personal thing.  I have tried a lot of different socks ... from the expensive running store mortgage-your-house-for-one-pair-of-socks brands ... all the way to cheapie discount-store variety.  The socks I have been running in for the longest are Energy Zone (Shopko's brand.)  They are cushiony and wick moisture like you wouldn't believe.  They are amazing AND cheap, so stock up!  A more recent addition to my sock drawer has been the ultra-lightweight Nike running sock shown above in screaming neon-green.  They are so great you hardly know you are wearing socks. The tabs keep your feet from chafing and while I'm usually not one for bright, attention-getting socks, this green just seems to put a smile on my face and an extra spring in my step!  



Perfect in every way!

I love, love, love these Under Armour running shorts.  You know how it is when you find something that works, it fits in all the right places and makes you want to run for hundreds of miles ... ok, maybe that's a bit of a stretch!  But really, these shorts are just awesome.  Had I known they'd be so hard to find again, I would have bought 10 pair.  They have enough room in the leg that movement is not an issue.  They are a perfect length and the material is soft and breathable.  **Important note:  For me, black is the ONLY way to go.  I learned the hard way that gray, or even purple shorts/pants are not a great option for the gym ... unless of course you are going for the just-peed-my-pants look.  TMI perhaps, but really, if you are going to spend the money on nice workout clothes, you want them to be functional.  And if you sweat at all, or A LOT, like me ... well then, black is definitely the most functional!

Champion running capri's ... they just fit right!

I have a gazillion pairs of capri running pants in my closet and I always go back to my favorite Champion running capri's I bought years ago at Target.  They fit better than any other pair (even the more expensive Nike's and Under Armors.)  They fit particularly well in the abdominal area, with minimal mommy bulge spilling over.  I'm not sure why this particular capri makes me so happy, but it's always nice to have one pair of pants you feel like you can run in public in!

Industrial Strength ... cause let's be honest girls, bounce is not always a good thing!

If you're a girl, ya gotta have one of these.  While some are lucky enough to get away with those adorable wispy little demi-cup options ... I need a bra that's practically a shirt!  This Under Armour sports bra has the high impact support other sports bra's only talk about.  Really ... it's a keeper!  For more low impact activities, I've found this Fila sports bra works well, and I love the color.  And don't be afraid to double up if you need to ... seriously why add to the stretch mark issue if you don't have to!

Maximum airflow and comfort!



I have a few different versions of the Nike running tank and they have become my first choice for running.  I find the singlet-style much less constricting than the tanks with a built-in support. I have even recently branched out and purchased a few *gasp* PINK versions of this tank ... so girly!

So worth the money!

This North Face jacket has seen me through all types of weather.  It is light enough that I can add heavier layers underneath in the winter and light enough to wear with just a tank underneath in fall and spring.  It's incredibly lightweight, wind-resistant, and reflective.  I love the long sleeves you can pull down over your hands if they get cold and/or you forget your gloves.  It has two zipper pockets for carrying necessities.  If you tie it around your waist, it's so light you don't even know it's there (I HATE running with anything around my waist, but you really do barely notice it).)  It always comes out of the wash looking brand new and it has held up remarkably well to all the training I've put it through.    

So those are some of my favorites.  I know running clothes, just like any clothes, are very much a personal thing.  But perhaps these recommendations will send someone in the right direction, ultimately leading to less money wasted on gear that is less-than-fantastic.  I also want to note that I am a pretty cheap person when it comes to buying stuff for myself.  I love sales, I love bargains.  I think $45 for a pair of shorts is ridiculous.  Sometimes dropping the money for some of these items is painful .. BUT, I do invest the money in something if I think it is high-quality.  All of my faves, in my opinion, have been well worth the money.  And even better is when I find something I love for dirt cheap ... so, if anyone has any great bargains or finds, please share!!!